菩萨即知有四种法，为大涅槃而作近因。若言勤修 一切苦行，是大涅槃近因缘者，是义不然。所以者何？若离四法得涅槃者，无有是处。何等为四？一者亲近善友，二者专心听法，三者系念思惟，四者如法修行。
释迦牟尼佛
《大般涅槃经》卷二十五
Bodhisattvas then know, that there are four kinds of Dharma teachings, for Great Nirvāṇa then being proximate causes. If saying diligent cultivation of all ascetic practices, that this is Great Nirvāṇa’s proximate cause, this meaning is not thus. Why is that so? If there are those departing from these four Dharma teachings to attain Nirvāṇa, this is without possibility. What are these four? First, is being close to good friends. Second, is with the focused mind hearing the Dharma. Third, is with continuous mindfulness contemplating. Fourth, is according to the Dharma cultivating practices.
Śākyamuni Buddha
Great Parinirvāṇa Sūtra: 25th Scroll
大涅槃四法（四种近因）
Great Nirvāṇa’s Four Dharma Teachings (Four Kinds Of Proximate Causes)
[1] 亲近善友: Being close to good(-knowing) friends (善知识)
三慧
Three Wisdoms
[2] 闻慧 Hearing’s Wisdom:
专心听法: Focused mind hearing the Dharma
[3] 思慧 Contemplation’s Wisdom:
系念思惟: Continuous mindfulness contemplating
[4] 修慧 Cultivation’s Wisdom:
如法修行: According to the Dharma cultivating practices
(Pure Lands are where the above four causes will be supreme.)
